Alfond Leaders Program seeking more applicants for student loan debt relief

Funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation, the Maine program aims to stimulate economic growth in key industries by attracting and retaining STEM graduates. The Harold Alfond Foundation and the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) opened another application cycle to provide student loan debt relief for Maine residents who are employed by a Maine-based business in the STEM-related fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Applications are now being accepted through November 15, 2019.

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Maine’s Education Foundation announced that contractors have committed to more than $300,000 in additional funds for Maine students pursuing construction careers. The total fund balance will exceed $800,000 as contributions are received.

Special guest Patrick Dempsey to make remarks; seven Maine governors to appear in video presentation and be honored; Bangor Region Chamber president to receive award

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the bicentennial of Maine’s statehood at its annual meeting and dinner in Augusta on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 with special guest Patrick Dempsey. Maine’s seven living governors will be honored and share their perspectives and historical context on what makes Maine special in a unique video presentation at the dinner event. Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce President Deb Neuman will also be honored.

The guest column by Educate Maine’s Jason Judd (Oct. 13) was spot-on: to grow Maine’s current and future workforce, the public and private sectors must commit to making sure all Maine people have the educational training, credentials and experience needed to succeed in Maine’s 21st century economy.

By the time you read this, the celebration of Maine’s Bicentennial at our October 30 Annual Dinner will likely be underway. Its complete coverage will appear in subsequent editions of Impact. However, for those of you attending, this year is a unique period of time to celebrate Maine’s rich history, reflect on the journey that got us here, and to acknowledge the leadership that brought us here. It is also a pivotal moment in time, as we look to building a bright future for the next generations.

Thomas College recently dedicated their School of Education to philanthropists Peter and Paula Lunder, reaffirming its mission to train Maine’s next generation of teachers. The college has designed modern classrooms and brought in the newest technology, like 3-D printers and virtual reality headsets, to create an aesthetic place that was also a public space. This multi-use space is intentionally reflective of the classrooms of today.